*MIKE TROUT MIGHT BE THE GREATEST MLB PLAYER EVER: I heard that nonsense as recently as last week. At some point Trout might have been on his way to be in the discussion, but he hasn’t stayed healthy. The injuries have reduced his speed, resulting in fewer stolen bases and less range in the outfield.

        *THE GIANTS ARE 36 GAMES ABOVE .500: The Giants were never 30 games above .500 at any point during the World Series champion teams 201 0, 2012 and 2014.

        *THE NL EAST CONTENDERS DON’T PLAY EACH OTHER OFTEN THE REST OF THE WAY: The Mets and Phillies have just one remaining series while the Braves don’t play the Mets and Phillies until the final week.

        *THE PADRES ARE THIN ON STARTING PITCHING: That has led to criticism of organization development, beginning with starting pitcher McKenzie Gore, considered the best starting pitcher prospect in baseball (pre-pandemic). Gore has an ERA of 5.50 in his last 80 minor league innings.

        *TREVOR STORY IS MIFFED WITH THE ROCKIES FOR NOT TRADING HIM: Presumably he was hoping to play for a contender to further boost his free agent value.

        *THE BREWERS ARE CLOSELY WATCHING THEIR THREE ALL-STAR STARTING PITCHERS: Brandon Woodruff, Corbin Burnes and Freddy Peralta have already set career highs for innings pitched.